A Modular Approach to Interprofessional Concussion Education and Assessment for Athletic Training and Nursing Students

Abstract

Context Due to the complexity of concussion evaluation and management and the growing demand for interprofessional collaborative practice in health care, the need for interprofessional education (IPE) among professional health care programs has become increasingly important. Objective This IPE technique provides athletic training and nursing students with an opportunity to apply knowledge of professional roles and uses collective clinical reasoning to navigate a multifaceted case scenario with a patient who sustained a concussion. Background With the emphasis of IPE in professional health care programs, both athletic training and nursing programs accrediting bodies have adopted standards that require the implementation of IPE within the curriculum. Description of Techniques This IPE event uses a modular and scaffolding teaching approach to gradually introduce new developments into the patient case in a sequential manner to increase fidelity. Advantage(s) By using this approach, students will have the opportunity to meet the objectives for each module before moving on to the next. Additionally, students will develop professional relationships over time within the collaboration of professional groups. Conclusion(s) Use of this IPE technique affords athletic training and nursing students the opportunity to develop the professional skills required to engage in interprofessional collaborative practice and improve patient outcomes.